Dominica has officially launched Tourism Awareness Month 2025 under the theme “Tourism is Everybody’s Business: Let’s Play Our Part.” This annual event, organised by the Discover Dominica Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association, aims to highlight the vital role tourism plays in the nation’s economy and encourage active participation from all citizens.
The month-long celebration commenced on April 30th with International Jazz Day, setting the tone for activities designed to showcase Dominica’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Key events include:
- Hike Fest 1 – Middleham Falls on May 3rd
- Jazz ‘n Creole at Fort Shirley, Cabrits National Park on May 4th
- Tourism Youth Congress on May 9th
- Community Beach Clean-ups in collaboration with local governments
- In-school Visits to educate students about the importance of tourism
- Staycation Launch to promote domestic tourism
- Tourism Awards Ceremony to recognise outstanding contributions in the sector
Minister for Tourism, Denise Charles, emphasised the importance of sustainable growth in the tourism industry, stating that “growth must come with care,” highlighting the need for responsible tourism practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.
Throughout May, the Discover Dominica Authority encourages all citizens to participate in the various activities and to embrace the shared responsibility of promoting and sustaining the island’s tourism sector. By engaging in these events, Dominicans can contribute to preserving their cultural and natural assets while fostering economic growth.
This article is copyright © 2025 DOM767
The theme “Tourism is Everybody’s Business: Let’s Play Our Part” might sound nice on paper, but it really exposes how out of touch and desperate this government is when it comes to building a serious, competitive tourism industry. Once again, the burden is being shifted onto the public, as if it is our job to bring tourists to Dominica. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism continues to fall back on the same tired, low impact gimmicks year after year that do not make any ripples beyond our shores.
This jazz nights, school visits, and beach clean-ups are not tourism strategies, they are distractions. They are feel good Press Release events for a handful of insiders, not bold initiatives that attract serious international attention or revenue.
This government’s lack of vision again keeps it from becoming a true tourism destination. Until there is a real plan put in place, not just a month of staged events for press photos, the only ones “playing their part” are the citizens forced to carry the weight of a government with no serious strategy.
So instead of “Let’s Play Our Part”? maybe the Ministry should finally play its part and start crafting real policy. Build partnerships that actually draw tourists to Dominica!.
Dominicans deserve better than slogans. We deserve leadership.